*These were exclusive for the Tanis Fiber Arts 2011 Year in Colour Club, but will be for sale in January!

I fell short of my overall FO goal, with only 22 FOs, and I didn’t even photograph one of them yet (it was a Stockholm Scarf that I gave to a friend for Christmas, and I wrapped it up the second it was dry)

Here are the 21 I did get photographed:

And here is the final FO of 2011, a Christmas gift for my cousin Chantal:

She requested a winter headband that was simple and had a big bow, and I didn’t quite find any patterns that were exactly what I had in mind, so I winged it and made up my own. I really love the final result, so I’m glad I kept notes! I’ll start working on the pattern in the new year.

I’m not that surprised I missed my target of 28 FOs this year, to be honest. I can pinpoint exactly where the knitting time was lost- my first trimester of pregnancy, when I had to go to bed 1-2 hours earlier than I usually do every night for 3 months. Considering that’s when I do a lot of my prime knitting time, I estimate I lost approximately 90-100 hours of knitting time, which would have definitely been some more more FOs. But hey- that’s life, right? So- my 2012 goals. For 2012, my knitting goals are to design 5 new patterns, and have 20 FOs. that sounds a little more reasonable. Especially since the new patterns count as FOs anyways- I’m sneaky like that. Happy New Year, everyone!! I hope that you all have an incredibly happy, yarn-filled 2012.

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Notes: these are such pretty mitts, the oak leaf design is really exceptional, and the technique gives it a raised look. My only wish is that I had reduced the stitches around the wrist- I have scrawny little bird wrists (5.5″ circumference) , and there is a bit more room in them than I typically need. It would have been easy, too- just decreased about 6 stitches shortly after the ribbing from the stockinette portion, and added them back in when approaching the thumb hole round. But how can you argue with the results?

These photos were taken shortly after Christmas at my parent’s home, where the local temperatures were -17 C without the wind chill. Going coat-less meant the photos had to be done in 2 mins or less!

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Mods: used the great stitch design of the original blanket pattern to create a totally different pullover inspired by it. Her project page with more photos can be found here.

What Makes This Awesome: I love the details, the way the cables for the knots are used to elongate the shape of the sweater for a flattering fit. it would have been easy to go a bit overkill and have knots all over from cuff to neck to hem, but the design elements are right on key. It’s a stunning knit, and also pretty impressive to turn a blanket into a sweater!

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In last year’s wrap up, I stated my knitting goals, which was to design 3 new patterns and have 28 Fos. I did a quick check on my Ravelry project page, and noticed that I’m about 7 FOs short of my yearly FO goal! While I’m not sure I can power through and get another 7 knits done and photographed in time for the new year, I’m certainly going to try to get as close as I can. Currently on my needles:

Oak Grove Fingerless Mitts, which I got as a kit from Becoming Art in the Clove colourway. This has been lingering in my stash, and since the move I’ve had an opportunity to review ALL my yarn again (and just this past weekend, I finally found the pattern booklet again for the Peterborough sweater! I’ll be casting on for that in the new year, for sure. Reviewing all the yarn and patterns post-move provided an interesting time for where the heck am I going to put all this yarn, dear god I had no I had so much reflection on my stash, and future projects. I’m mulling over what my new knitting goals will be for 2012… stay tuned!

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Mods: Transformed the raglan t-shirt into a stunning sleeveless shift dress. Great details on exactly how she did it can be found on her project page, here.

What Makes This Awesome: This dress is an absolute stunner of a modification! I love how chic and even sort of retro the silhouette looks as a sleeveless dress. I’m in awe of Joanne’s vision in creating this dress. She even chose the colour based around the fabulous buttons, and I can’t imagine the dress without the buttons- it’s like the icing on the cupcake, don’t you think? I love everything about this knit!

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Hi I'm Julie. I love the written word, cozy knits, international travel, domestic pleasures, my quirky british husband, and my two little kids. I help knitters and crafters get inspired by sharing modified knitting projects, round ups of craft ideas and recipes, and reflections on the crafting life. Email Knitted Bliss

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Knitted Bliss is trademarked and copyright of Julie Crawford, 2012. All images and text are property of Julie Crawford unless otherwise mentioned; such as the photographs used in the 'Modification Monday' posts.
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